When smoke levels are high, even healthy people can experience coughing, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, headaches, and more. More concerning is that these symptoms are more severe among people with existing respiratory conditions, small children, and our older adult population. Thankfully, there are simple ways you can protect yourself and your family. When smoke is present, stay indoors as much as possible, keep doors and windows closed, avoid outdoor activities, and possibly relocate temporarily to an area away from the smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smoke is a complex mixture of carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and other organic chemicals, nitrogen oxides, and metals. This mixture can irritate and injure the mouth, nose, throat, and lung tissue. Particles from smoke tend to be very small and are inhaled into the deepest recesses of the lung where they can be trapped and absorbed. Even in healthy people, this can cause temporary reductions in lung function and pulmonary inflammation. Particulate matter can also adversely affect the body's immune system. Prolonged exposure to any type of smoke is harmful to people of all ages. Like cigarette smoke, smoke from fires can eventually damage your body's ability to remove large particles and excess phlegm from your lungs and airway.

Close all windows and doors. In both homes and vehicles, run air conditioners in recirculation mode only. Avoid using a swamp cooler, because it operates by pulling in outside air. These actions can help, but if smoke is still causing discomfort, or if it’s too hot inside, consider temporarily relocating to a smoke-free area.